Use of (e)DNA and barcoding techniques for screening of (potentially) invasive alien species.

The monitoring of (potentially) invasive alien species through surveillance systems (surveillance = all actions aimed at detecting previously unknown locations of alien species) at INBO is a combination of passive, generic surveillance (area-wide but not very targeted) and specific, active surveillance aimed at risk areas (e.g. protected nature areas, risk areas for introduction), tailored to specific species or with specific interest groups. Innovative techniques such as environmental DNA (eDNA) and metabarcoding are essential to achieve this. This project includes initiatives that use eDNA or (meta)barcoding for ad hoc application in the context of the detection, surveillance or identification of (potentially) invasive species.